for his friend, and the Countess
turned to look for her daughter.

They saw Lady Alicia following with an intensely unconscious expression,
while Mr Bunker was in the act of returning to the dining-room.

"I wanted to secure a table for breakfast," he explained.

CHAPTER II.

The Baron was in high hopes of seeing the fair unknown at breakfast, but
it seemed she must be either breakfasting in her own room or lying long
abed.

"I think I shall go out for a little constitutional," said Mr Bunker, when
he had finished. "I suppose the hotel has a stronger attraction for you."

"Ach, yes, I shall remain," his friend replied. "Pairhaps I may see zem."

"Take care then, Baron!"

"I shall not propose till you return, Bonker!"

"No," said Mr Bunker to himself, "I don't think you will."

Just outside St Egbert's there is a high breezy sweep of downs, falling
suddenly to a chalky seaward cliff. It overlooks the town and the
undulating inland country and a great spread of shining sea; and even
without a spy-glass you can see sail after sail and smoke-wreath after
smoke-wreath go by all day long.

But Mr Bunker had apparently walked there for other reasons than to see
the view. He did stop once or twice, but it was only to scan the downs
ahead, and at the sight of a fluttering skirt he showed no interest in
anything else, but made a straight line for its owner. For her part, the
lady seemed to await his coming. She gathered her countenance into an
expression of as perfect unconcern as a little heightening of her colour
would allow her, and returned his salute with rather a distant bow. But Mr
Bunker was not to be damped by this hint of barbed wire. He held out his
hand and exclaimed cordially, "My dear Lady Alicia! this is charming of
you!"

"Of course you understand, Mr Beveridge, it's only----"

"Perfectly," he interrupted, gaily; "I understand everything I should and
nothing I shouldn't. In fact, I have altered little, except in the
trifling matter of a beard, a moustache or two, and, by the way, a name."

"A name?"

"I am now Francis Bunker, but as much at your service as ever."

"But why--I mean, have you really changed your name?"

"Circumstances have changed it, just as circumstances shaved me."

Lady Alicia made a great endeavour to look haughty. "I do not quite
understand, Mr----"

"Bunker--a temporary title, but suggestive, and simple for the tradesmen."

"I do